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How do you start illustrating?

As a child, I had a passion for drawing and painting, but during my secondary school years, I lost interest in my drawing lessons. While I enjoyed art and going to museums, I didn't feel inspired to create anything myself anymore. It wasn't until I signed up for Debbie Lavreys illustration course at Snow & Rose a few years ago that my passion for creating was reignited. For a while, I had been itching to start drawing again, and the course turned out to be the perfect opportunity to start. It began with an introduction to all kinds of materials and drawing techniques and then we started working on our own projects. The atmosphere in the course was friendly, and it didn't matter if you were a beginner or more advanced.


Back home, I crated a dedicated workspace and acquired some materials to experiment with. Initially, I practiced by copying the work of illustrators I admired, and eventually, I began creating my own illustrations.


When the covid pandemic broke out in March 2020 and pretty much everything at my work shut down, I suddenly had extra time to draw. After sharing some of my artwork via Snapchat with my sister and nieces, they encouraged me to start an Instagram account. That's how Paper Dreams by Vicky was born.


I'm now eager to take the next step, which is why I'm launching this website along with an online shop where you can purchase cards featuring my illustrations.


Maybe you also dream of creating beautiful illustrations? That’s why I like to share some tips here and tell you what helps me to draw and paint:


Perhaps you too aspire to create beautiful illustrations. That's why I'd love to share some tips with you and tell you what has helped me to start drawing and painting:

  • Create a dedicated space in your home where you can work quietly, as well as display and store your materials.

  • Purchase materials that appeal to you and experiment with them. Visit a local art store or look online.My favorite online shop: splendith.nl

  • Consider taking an art course at an art school or through an online platform. Domestika offers a great selection of courses in various styles and techniques. My favorite Domestika course: www.domestika.org/en/courses/2559-sketchbook-techniques-for-children-s-illustration

  • How do you find inspiration? Stay close to yourself and your own interests. Create a mood board on Pinterest with your favorite illustrations, photos, and artworks. Inspiration can be found all around you. I find that taking a walk in nature often helps ideas to flow naturally. For me, stories and books serve as an excellent source of inspiration. I also love to follow artists on Instagram and Patreon.

  • Experiment in a sketchbook. Take your time and don’t get discouraged by failures. Just like everyone else, I too create ugly drawings at times, and there are moments when I lack inspiration or the desire to create anything at all.

Blogs to follow:

Podcast that I like to listen to:



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